Balk or not

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Yes. Taking signs off the rubber is not legal, but it is also not a balk.

The rule states that if the pitcher takes signs, he must take them while on the rubber. The purpose of the rule is to prevent a quick pitch, which is a balk with runners on base.

The umpire should have called time, instructed F1 to take his signs from the rubber, and then resumed play. Depending on the level, a conversation with his coach might be in order. If F1 fails to comply, he should be ejected for that (nuclear option).

It IS legal for the pitcher to take signs while not in contact with the pitcher's plate and as long as he is taking or simulate taking signs from his catcher before pitching there is no need to tell him to take or simulate taking his sign from the catcher.

The only time I am going to tell a pitcher to take or simulate taking his sign from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher's plate is when he does NOT and I have called a balk because he threw a pitch without taking or simulated taking a sign from the catcher.

As along as the pitcher is complying with the rule in the first place we, as umpires, do NOT care how many signs the pitcher takes while NOT in contact with the pitcher's plate.

MTD, Sr.